Change-over control



Feb. 20, 1951 J. T. GATES '2,542,188

CHANGE-OVER CONTROL v Filed May 27, 1948 r5 sheets-sheet 1 Q INVENTOR.

JAMES 76,4755

Wam

ATTORNEY Feb. 20, 1951 J. r. GATES 2,542,188

CHANGE OVER CONTROL rmx/79x /57 53E-1 /56 Q Q/55 i 7| 65 M F16. Z fbgnj Kill INVENTOR.

LFT. .500:40 5w. RT. ounu Sy.

BY JAM/55 Z' GATLS C'. funn;

HTToE/VEY Feb. 20, l

J. T. GATES CHANGE- OVER CONTROL Filed May 27, 1948 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN V EN TOR.

JA M55 7.' GA T55 [imagina HTTORNEY Patented F eb, 20, 1951 CHANGE OVER CONTROL James T. Gates, West Alexander, Ohio, assignor,

by mesne assignments, to Machine Circuit Control Co., Cleveland, Ohio Application May 27, 1948, Serial No. 29,472

3 Claims. l

This invention relates to the automatic operation of duplicate machines in repeating sequence, so that one machine may take up an installment operation at the conclusion of another installment by another machine.

The principal object of the invention is to provide for the sequential operation of machines, i. e., one after the other, Without apparent interruption, the start of a succeeding machine be* ing controlled by a signal or impulse occurring at or near the conclusion of the operation by a preceding machine.

An object in general is to control the sequential operation of a plurality of duplicate machines that have a limited operating cycle, shorter in time 'than the total of sequential operation, so that an uninterrupted machine operation of several machine cycles can be accomplished.

Another object of the invention is to provide for automatic and alternate operation of a plurality of strip driving machines, designed to be operated in sequence to drive or deliver a strip continuously for some multiple of the individual machine operating time, the start of one machine and the stop of another machine being determined by the progress of the driven strip and its effect upon a control unit electrically connected with both machines.

Specifically, it is an object of the invention to automatically control the sequential operation of a pair of movie projectors driving sound augmented picture lms, so that the conclusion of one film and the start of another film will be so timed that the change in visual and or audible product will be nonapparent.

Therefore, a particular object of the invention is to provide a control unit for automatic changeover from one projector to another projector, the operation of which control unit is initiated by the conventional sound transposing devices of the active projector at or near the concluding end of a film -being shown.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic change-over unit for control of moving picture machines, which unit is embodied in an individual cabinet and requires a minimum of connections into the projectors which it is to control, no one of the connections requiring mechanical alteration of the regular or conventional projector mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide a unit of the class described that embodies an electronic initiating circuit fired by a particular frequency signal acting upon the conventional sound pickup and requiring no additional pickup means.

an automatic control unit initiated by a standard frequency sensitive relay, responsive to either A further object of the invention is to provide subsonic or supersonic frequency, for effecting complete change-over from one projector to another.

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic control unit for the sequential operation of two movie projectors, which unit responds to inaudible frequencies for initiating a progression of circuit closings making for the complete and unobserved substitution of one movie nlm for another.

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic control unit for movie projector machines that require no mechanical attach ments to or changes in the projector equipment, yet responds to a frequency signal or impulses occurring in the progress of operation by one machine for starting and conditioning the operation of the other machine, and the subsequent Stopping of the first machine.

In commercial motion picture exhibitings, two or more motion picture projectors are used in conjunction with sound heads, iilm magazines, light houses and amplier, for the sequential showing of a plurality of serially related films, Whose total running time is some multiple of the film capacity of any one projection machine, and therefore requires the alternate operation of the two machines, one being reconditioned and checked for proper operation during its rest period, While the other is exhibiting the film. To accomplish a smoothly operating show, and produce a smooth continuity of pictures and sound commensurate with the intent of the film producer, it is necessary to properly time the start of a succeeding machine with respect to the run of a preceding machine, which involves the drive of the lm, the energization of the projector lamp and sound pickup circuit on the succeeding machine, the application of projector light beam onto the film in the succeeding `ma chine, and interruption of light beam on the nlm of the preceding machine before the preceding machine is stopped. Film producers have attempted to assist the operator in making the changeover as it is called by providing Visual signals at designated portions on certain of the picture frames near the concluding end of the iilm, so that the operator may on the appear-- ance of the rst signal, start the projector motor and light source for the succeeding machine, and on the appearance of the second signal, usually about seven seconds later, change the sound supply from one machine to the other substantially coincident with changing the projector light beam from one machine to the other.

minimum of action by the operator that must be packed into a time period of a few seconds in effecting a change-over, from an active machine to an inactive machine, involves starting the motor of the inactive machine along with the energieation of the projector filament or arc of that machine. in each projector mechanism there is a heavy shutter member interposed between the light source and the nlm for protecting the film against the heat of the projector light source. These members, dousers as they are called, are operated electromagnetically so that they can be moved into and out of the path of the projector light beam at the proper moment so that the light beam is never allowed to fall upon a iilm that is not moving. The operator is therefore required to raise the douser from across the light beam in the inactive machine. Within a ievv seconds later the operator is required to open the change-over slide in the inactive machine, and close the change-over slide in the active machine. rEhe change-over shutter is the last element in the path oi the light beam to the film, and it is the element that determines Whether or not being driven past the projector lense will be displayed upon the screen. The sound switch must also be operated to change from one sound track to the other. After the change-over shutter of the active machine has been closed the douser of the active machine must be moved into the path of the projector light beam. Finally, the projector motor of the active machine, and its projecting filament or arc must be extinguished, thus making some nine or ten separate and distinct operations that must be performed by the operator within a time period or" about nfteen seconds.

The success of the method for manual changeover depends upon the operator of the projector machines being alert enough to catch the visual signal or signals, not having his attention drawn away by some other event at the instant of the signal, and his capability of quickly responding to the signals when displaced or observed. If either one of the signals is missed, or if one of the signals is slowly responded to, the timing of the manual change-over is all off and an awkward breach in the visual and audible rendition is the result. Hence, all that has so carefully been planned by the lm producer is lost.

There are known to be automatic change-over mechanisms for sequentially operating movie projectors, but to the best of my knowledge, they are complicated and cumbersome in construction, require mechanical revision of the conventional proiection machines and are not reliable in operation. Where those control units are initiated by the nlm, there is usually some necessary modiiication of the film that materially weakens it mechanically, or requires additional signal pickup means for the projector mechanism. The character of existing or proposed automatic changeover means is such that they can seldom if ever be connected with or attached to exi-sting projection equipment Without considerable reworking of the mechanism, and even when installed are so far from satisfactory in operation that close attention is still demanded from the operator who must stand by ready to complete manually What the control mechanism fails to do. Thus, the duties of the operator are not lessened, for he must be on the job and alert to malfunctioning of the mechanism, in order to provide a smooth running program.

It is therefore an important object of the invention to provide a moving picture changeover robot that comprises a self contained unit with proper electric connections to the two projector machines, that a circuit can be initiated by an inaudible frequency on the conventional sound track and by the conventional pickup of an operating machine to sequentially start the motor of an inactive machine; light the projection lamp of the inactive machine; and raise the douser of the inactive machine; then after an interval of some seven seconds raise the changeover shutter of the inactive machine and lower the changeover shutter of the active machine; change the sound from the active machine to the inactive machine; and lower the douser oi the active machine; and finally after a period of some nine seconds more, stop the motor and shut off the projector lamp of the active machine, after which the automatic changeover is completed, to the extent that What Was the inactive machine now becomes the active machine, and the active machine becomes inactive.

The disadvantages have been overcome, and the objects have been accomplished by providing a singie self contained unit, easily and quickly attachablc to a pair of existing projection machines by a pair of electric cables so as to have an initiating circuit set up by the customary sound head through a tap into the speaker outlet of the ampliiier, the unit itself having a frequency sensitive relay for energizing an electronic circuit that effects operation of a cam driving motor that cycles after starting to effect the proper timed operation of switches embodied in electric circuits to the projector motors, the projection lamps, the dousers, the sound heads, the changeover shutters and indicator lamps for both machines. The excitation of the electronic circuit of the unit is eiiected by an inaudible frequency trace superimposed on or incorporated in the usual sound track so that no additional exciter lamp or other sound pickup device is needed, the signal to start the operation of the unit thereby being applied by the usual equipment to be detected by the frequency sensitive relay. The inaudible frequency trace may be superimposed upon, or incorporated in the usual sound track of the conventional movie nlm, where the unit is to control the sequential operation of moving picture projectors. On the other hand the inaudible frequency may be incorporated in the sound impressions of a magnetic wire record, a magnetic tape or ribbon, or even the groove of a disc record, that portion of the trace in either instance acting through appropriate pickup and amplifier means to deliver an impulse to the frequency relay. Alternatives for those frequency traces might include perforated tapes or Webs in cornbination with electrical or mechanical means to transpose the apertures, or perhaps notches, to electrical impulses for the frequency sensitive relay. Obviously, other means may be used for generating the particular controlling frequency, and include mechanical interrupters, which when set into operation, start the changeover unit on its cycle of operation. Either a subsonic frequency or a supersonic frequency may be used for the initiating signal, since neither one will materially disturb the audition of the sound program. It is preferred, however, that the supersonic trace be used since it is less likely to produce a thump or like sound in the speaker upon its presentation to the sound pickup device. When the cam driving motor starts it establishes own energizing circuit to release the action f the electronic initiating circuit, and themotor after it has operated through its cycle to effect the sequential operation of the several devices, stops to reestablish its condition for subsequent operation to eect a repeating changeover operation, there being required only another closing of the electronic initiating circuit.

A better understanding of my invention will be obtained and other objects, features, and advantages of my invention will appear from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing and subtended claims.

In the drawings:

Fig. l is a generally perspective view of a projection booth showing a pair of moving icture projecting machines and control unit therefor, whereby serially composited films may be continuously shown without interruption, by automatic starting or one projector prior to the cessation of opera-tion of the other. Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of the control unit by which the automatic changeover from one projector to another is accomplished.

Fig. 3 is a schematic view of the initiating means by which the train of events leading to the start of th second projector is accomplished.

W'ith reference to the draw' gs, iirst with reference to Fig. l. the reference numerals I and 2 refer to two moving picture projectors of conventional .structure adapted to project an image through openings and i respectively, of a projection booth, on an appropriate screen associated with loud speakers at one end of an auditorium, hall or the like. The two machines at the left and at the right of the booth are essentially alike wherefor detailed description of one will sunce for both. Each projector comprises a base 5 supporting a lamp housing 5 adapted to cast a beam of light through a nlm compartment 'l traversed by a film paying out from a supply reel in magasine to a take-up reel in magazine 9 through the operation of an electric motor iii, also driving a sound head II by which sound is delivered through cab-le I2 to a sound ampliiier s having a booth speaker I4 and leading by 'cable I5 to the auditorium speakers not shown. The lamp housing 6 is fitted with the conventional stack Iii for venting the arcs or other light producing elements, and an electric line or proper voltage is led to the projector for its operation, and may include a switch il controlling current in leads i8, while an electric lead is supplies current to the motor I3 driving the sound-head ii, and is under control of my improved electronic projector robot 20 through a control cable 2| as will presently appear. Each projector l or 2 is thereby adapted when energized, to wind o from the reel in magazine S and move it over the lens and shutter in compartment l, and through the sound head il to the take-up reel in the magazine 9. The picture on the iilm is projected through the opening 3 or d upon the screen, and the sound track at the edge of the iilm is transformed into the audible product and reproduced by the speakers over the cable Iii.

Conventionally, photo-eleotric means are employed for transposing the sound track to the audible product, and includes as shown in 3 an exciter lamp 22 with a power supply 23 causing the filament 24 to glow, and which shines through a slot 25 of a light telescope or tube 26 to cast in a beam upon a sound track 2t at the edge of a film 29 having a series of picture frames's to be projected on the screen. The

sound track 28 permits more or less light from'v the filament 24 to reach a photo-electric cell 3| causing a current variation in leal-ds 32, 33 by which the cell 3| is connected to the amplifier I3, leads 35 and it similarly connecting with the cell 3| of the other projector, the amplifier I3 having output leads 3T, 38 in the cable I5 connecting with the loud speakers. However, other forms of sound pickup may be used where desired.

One form of the sound track 2d, as is well known to those experienced in the art, is applied to the iilm in timed relation to the picture frames 3Q, particularly where there is any interrelation between them, such as conversation and action, though this timing relation is not in adjacent relation due to the fact 'that the light from the projection lamp and the sound head are lineally spaced along the run of the film as it passes through the projector. In conventional machines, the douser is disposable between the nlament or arc and a slide or shutter next adjacent the lm, and both of which must be moved to one side of the light beam before the design on the picture frame can be projected upon the screen. Unless the hlm is moving, it is necessariT that the douser be in such position that the light beam be prevented from reaching the film, else the iilm will be burned, scorched or otherwise injured in a very short time. Therefore, during a changeover from one projector to another, it is essential that the douser be removed from across the light beam of the machine to be next operated, and be placed across the light beam of the machine to be discontinued, at just the right moment. Further, for smooth program operation, it is necessary that the changeover from one machine to the other, vhich is really a change from one roll oi lm to another, be made in such manner that there will be no interruption in either picture sequence or audible rendition. For changeover, in addition to douser ulation,'there mustbe lighting' of one lamp and eX- tinguishing of the other, start of one proiector motor and stop of the other, withdrawal. of one change-over slide and replacement of the other, and the connection of one sound head and the disconnection of the other.

It is the purpose of this invention to accomplish all of these acts `in proper sequence so that the changeover from a picture series and sound on one lm 29 to that of a second hn can be made automatically Without any noticeable interruption of either sound or picture, and to initiate that changeover by the last end of the iilm being projected. That initiation is effected by placing on the lm sound track a special frequency marking superimposed upon or combined with the regular sound track so as to be detected by the usual sound pickup. The sound frequency may be one substantially below the range of the human ear, say'about 12 cycles per second, such as indicated at 39Y in Fig. 3, Where it appears as a sinusoidal line over the usual sound track 28 at the right of the film 29. A supersonic frequency also may be used. When that frequency trace is presented in front of the light beam from the ilament 26, the cell 3| will respond in the usual manner, and current will flow to and through the amplier i3 to the speaker output 31, 38, but will not be audibly reproduced by the speakers. That frequency will, however, be picked up by the stand ard frequency relay d, which has the coils 4I and i2 serially connected and joined by leads 0.3, 44 to the speaker wires, 31, 38, so that occurrence almanacl of the selected frequency will effect swing of the astatically balanced magnet bar 45. This bar is normally in balance so that a pin 45 on the axle 41 holds a spring leaf 48 having a contact 49 out of engagement with a xed contact 56 carried by a bracket 5|. The members 48, and 5| are mounted in an insulator 52 and are respec tively joined to electrical leads 53, 54 for primary control of current flowing therein, as will presently appear'. The frequency relay 4|] designedly is mounted within the cabinet 2G for the robot, with the leads 43, 44 formed into the cable connection 55 joining the cable I5 carrying the wires 3l, 3S extending from the amplifier to the speakers. Thus, the input to the control unit is from the output of the amplier for the sound track. The means disclosed in Fig. 3, therefore provide an automatic control for the changeover unit, which control is indicated generally by the dashed rectangle indicated at 69 in Fig. 2, showing schematically the circuits and relations of the elements of the projectors to be controlled during the changeover.

Referring particularly to Fig. 2, a suitable source of electrical energy is supplied by the lines 55 and 5G across which the motors IER and IDL for the right and left projectors are connected through proper switches as will presently appear. Also, connected across these lines 55, 56 with appropriate switches, are right and left arc lighting relays EIR and BIL, right and left indicator lamps 82B, 521.', right and left manual start switches 63E, ESL, right and left relay gang switches 54E, 64L, right and left douser control units 65B., 651;, right and left changeover units GBR, 65L, and right and left sound connecting switches S'IR, S'I'L, all as will presently appear. The automatic initiator 5G is connected into the control circuit by the lead 53 joined to the line 55 and its lead 54 connected to 68 in parallel with a manual cam selector switch 69 inserted between wires "it, ll joining line 55 and a resistance 'I2 connected with the suppressor grid 'I3 of a vacuum or other tube 'I4- whose plate I5 connects to the line 56 through a load resistor 'I5 and con denser the manual switch 69 there is a secondary winding I8 of a transformer one end of which connects to the line 55, and the other end of which secondary connects with a resistor 'I9 connected to 58 which leads to one of the terminals a of a relay switch 8B for control of a cam driving niotor 8|. A signal grid 82 of the tube 'I4 is connected with the suppressor grid "e3y and through ay condenser 83 with a cathode 84 of the tube in turn connected with the filament 6-5 having leads 85, 81 connected to the line 55 and between the sece ondary 'I8 and resistor 'IS respectively. The relay switch B has its winding 88 connected' at one end with the line 55 and the other end connected between the plate 'i5 and the resistor "it, while the second contact of the pair a connects by lead 89 with a contact b of a cam motor'switch 90 adapted to engage a contact a connected' with a brushk of the motor BI and also by a lead BI to one contact b of a pair of contacts controlled by the relay switch 8G, the other contact b of the pair. having connection by wire 92 with the line 55. A primary transformer winding 93 at one end joins line 55 and. extends by wire 94 to the line 56, and has a branch S extending to connect with certain of the contacts of the relay gang switches 64B and 64L as will presently appear.

Thus the cam selector switch G5 and the automatic initiated switch 6U provide alternative Also in parallel with the unit G0 and means for starting the changeover cycle, in that either one of them on being closed effects ring of the tube 74 whose plate circuit includes the relay winding 88 of the relay switch 8S, that controls the operation of the cam motor 3|. The cathode 84 and lament 85 are connected together and are energized through the secondary winding 'I8 of the transformer with which they are serially connected, while the grids 13 and 82 are connected together to effect a simple gas triode responding promptly to a signal input from either closing of or B9. Closing of either 6D or GS furnishes current to the circuit of the tube 14. Thergrids becoming charged initiate electron movement to the plate I5 effecting current iiow through a relay winding 88 to the line 56, causing rise of the movable element 96 of the relay 8E to close sets of contacts a and b. Condensers 83 and 'I7 hold the current charge to the tube 'i4 assuring continued energization of high resistance coil 88 of the relay 80. Resistors I2 and I6 regulate the amount of low voltage desired to set the thyratron tube I4 into action upon completion of the circuit. As shown, closing of the contacts a and b of the relay 8D, connects the cam driving motor 8| directly across the lines 55 and 56 by leads 92, contacts b and element 855, wire 9| to brush 91 and from brush 9S through 99 to the line 56. The cam driving motor 8| through its shaft, and reduction gearing if desired, drives a plurality of switch operating carns, such as cam I for the cam motor switch 9G, the cam IBI for the projector motor switches liR and IDBL, the cam |02 for the up-douser control switches I'IR and IU'IL, the cam m3 for the down-douser control switches IilR and ISSL, the cam |04 for the changeover' switches IIISR and |8911, and the cam for the sound switch IIS). Each of these switches IDGR to Iii! is appropriately connected to the line 56 and is adapted to engage one or another of pairs of contacts on movement of an actuating follower responding to the rotation of the respective cam driven in a clockwise direction by the cam driving motor 8 I.

Closing of the initiating circuit at either 6o or 69 will effect energization of the motor 8| as has been described, and when it operates it drives the cams through 180 degrees, whereupon the motor stops unless again energized. Very soon after the motor 8| starts the cam Iil` rotates sufficiently to actu'ate the follower and move the switch 99 from contact b to contact c which makes the motor circuit self sustaining through a connection III joined to line 55 and switch 90, the contact a, branch |I2 connecting it with 9|, and thence' by brush 91, 9B and 99 to line 55. When the cani |50 rotates through half a turn to the opposite notch it will permit the switch to return to engagement with the contact b and by this time, the circuits througlril iii or E9 having been opened, the cam driving motor 8| will stop. If the proper one of the control switches GSR or GBL is closed while the cam driving motor 8| is operating, the rotation of the several cams will effect the several acts oi a changeover in proper timed sequence, but if both the control switches are open when the motor operates, then the cams will rotate degrees without effecting any cl'iangecver. As shownl in Fig. 2, the circuit is set for the right proiector to be started into operation. This is indicated by the fact that the indicator light 62L is bright. It has a circuit completed from the'line 55 to- 55 by the lead |I3, wire |I4 to con- 9 Vtact b of switch |06L, and lead 5 t0 line 55. The signal light 62B, is likewise connected to line 55 by lead H6 and wires joined to ||8A that connects to contact a of switch HIER and by It to 56.

The circuit as shown in Fig. 2 issas it exists during the quiet period of both projectors, but in a condition to start the right projector, as at the start of the days program. To' start the right projector at the beginning of the program, the right manual start switch @3R is closed which bridges two sets of contacts a and b. Contacts a are attached to lead |23` joining and |2| connecting to one normally closed contact d of gang relay StR, whose other contact d is com nected by |22 to resistor 19 and lead 58. The contacts d of gang relay switch GflL are also connected to |22 and by |23 to |2| with abranch connected to contact a of manual start switch @3L the second contact a ci this switch connecting with |25! to H. Manual start switch @3R being closed the circuit established permits current to pass from 55, through |23, contacts a, connection |2|, contacts d oi" MR, |22 to the tube it, the operation of which has been described, for driving the motor 8|. The manual start switch 3L if closed, would do the same thing. One of the contacts b of the manual start switch E3R connects by |24 with |25 connecting to one contact a of both pair in gang relay switches MR and GAL, and also connects with relay winding |2f5 of relay A branch i2? from connects coil winding |25 and a similar coil winding |28 for gang relay ML, after which it joins a line |33. The line |2Q connects one Contact c of gang relay tftR and one contact b of gang re lay SQL with a branch |3|3 connecting to one or" the contacts b of manual start switch iSSL, the other b contact ofA which leads by |3| to |32 cone necting the other contact c oi relay gang switch MR with contact a of projector motor switch ESL. rlhe second contact b for the manual start switch @3R connects by |33 with |35 joined to contact b of projector motor switch MER and to one contact a of relay gang switch tiL, the other contact a of which is connected to |25 as has been described.

Thus, while the contacts a of the manual start switches 33B, and 63L, when closed, supply current to the circuit for the'tube 14, the contacts b of those start switches supply current tothe respective relay coil for moving the bridging conductor |35 or |351` to open the closed contacts at d, and to close the pairs of contacts at a, b, and c. The circuit for relay MR includes line 55, wires iii, |2`, coil |25, wires |25, |2A, contacts b of |33, i3d, contact b, switch lliiR, and Ht to For relay ML, it would include |23, |28, me, |33, contacts o, |3|, |32, a, HitL and H to 5c.

Electric energy in the relay coils |25 or i 23 operates to close the several sets of contacts a, b, and c so that the motor driven cams now in operation, actuate their respective switches and control their respective circuits. As soon as either relay gang switch is operated, raising of the t 'aging member |35 or |33 will open the contacts at d which supplies current to the circuit or tube allowing that tube and relay 3|) to drop out. The energy circuit for the cani driving motor 8| will by that time have been cornpleted through 55, lll, gil, d, H2, 51, Qt, and 53 to 55, which allows the motor to run until the opposite notch of cam |00 permits the switch' St' jector.

to return to contact b. By that time the bridging Contact S5 of relay switch il will have dropped to open contacts a and b, discontinuing current which has been supplied through 9| and S2 to the motor 8|.- All of the cams, It@ to |535, will have turned through 180 degrees, or have turned half way around. For the purpose of the assumption, that the right hand projector is started at the beginning of the daily program, rotation of the cam lili will operate switch ||lGR to move from contact h to contact a which connects through I3, contacts a and |35 of MR, then through |31 to motor iiR and |33 to 55, a branch |39 leading to and through arc lamp switch @IR and |43 to 55. The branch lil joining Ht leads to the indicator lamp 52B designating that the right projector motor IGR is ruiming, and that the associated lamp arc or filament is burning. By the time that the cams rotate through the half turn the associated douser, changeover slide and sound head will have been set into proper operation for showing the pictures and rendering the sound effects carried by the iilm 29. At the beginning of theprogram, had it been desired to start the left projector first, that could have been done closing the push button switch t@ until the motor 3| rotates the cams through a half turn which would be indicated by the other pilot light FSZR burning. Then closing the left manual start switch tBL would effect starting of the left hand projector in the saine manner that has been described for the right projector.

The automatic changeover from one projector to the other takes place near the conclusion of the film being shown. With reference to Fig. 2, it is again assumed, for the pertinent description, that the left projector is operating and that automatic change is to be made to the right pro- As the motor ||L drives the lm and winds it up on the take-up reel 3, the specially designated frequency markings 39 are presented before the photocell and give the signal to the amplifier and frequency responsive relay it which starts the initiating circuit through the tube 'I4 to start the cam driving motor Si as has been described. In this action, there must be at least a momentary closing of the initiating circuit of such length that the relay 33 operates to close both sets of a and b contacts. Contacts a of relay when closed complete a circuit for the tube '|43 inparallel with switches 53 andig, by means of connection i, extending from line 55 to switch Sii, Contact b, lead 69 to one of contacts a ofy relay, bridge member 35, second contact a, connection 58, resistor l2 to grids "i3, 32 and cathode 35| of tube The closing of contacts a of relay 33 also operates to close a circuit from |58, through o, and Bt, b, et, 2l, |23, |25, contacts o and bridge member |33 of SQL, |34 to contact b oi |85R and |59 to and thus actuating gang switch MR to a closed position. Contact b of relay 33, when closed completes the motor circuit from 55 by way of .32, contacts b and bridge 5t to 3|, thence brushes el, 38 and branch 9|! to 5t. By the assumption, the left projector is in operation. .Hence the left projector motor HBL is energized through |4|, |42 and |43 to one of the contacts c of relay gang switch L, then bridge member and second contact oto |34 vand to contact b of switch IGEL and 5 to 56. The plunger |36 of relay gang switch SL is raised so that the pairs of contacts a, b, and c, thereof are closed, contacts b thereof forming a holding circuit for the relay coil |28, which, while the left projector is operating through l|| from to lill, t28, |29, b of will, b and gli to 9s returning to 56.

Thus operation of the cam driving motor 8| drives the cams liiil to l in a clockwise direction, and aside from controlling its own circuit by the cam lili), which shifts switch 9B from Contact b to a for energizing the coil i2@ of gang relay GdR, so that sets oi contacts a, b, and c may be closed, then operates the projector motor switch WSR by the rotation of the cam 10|. Switch |061?, moves from contact b to contact a, which connects on the one hand by H8 to contacts b of StR now closed, |31 to motor IDR and |38 to line 55, and by |559 to lamp switch iR and E40 to line and on the other hand by H3, to pilot light 52B and lh' to line 55, the switch MEER haring a co" nection l i9 to line for completion o' the circuit across the lines 55, Eil. Up to this point then, the operation of the motor driven cams has eiiected the start o the right projector motor Itlt, with an attendant lighting of the right arc lamp tl'irough the closing of lilR, which is indicated by the burning of the right pilot lamp At about the same time, the up-douser control |02 rotates to such position that switch lll'lL closes to connect through i125 to right douser control BER, raising the right douser. A common connection |41 to the right and left douser control and @5L joins line 5 The right douser being up, permits light to pass to the closed changeover slide which is immediately nest to the traveling nlm and between. the lm and the light source.

After an interval of about seven seconds from the start of the projector motor, cam mi?, rotates far enough that changeover switch Hit/1R closed so that lead Mt joining 55 is connected by Its to an up-changeover coil iliil of unit StR, by branch lill to a down changeover coil 152 oi unit GEL and thence return |53 to line rEhus, as the right changeover shutter is opened the left one is closed, both actions of which are substantially coincident with the switching of sound from the left nlm to the right film accomplished by the rotation ci cam 95. The rotation of cam it hifts switch i Ic from contact b where it was connected by H54 to solenoid |55 of left sound switch lL and thence i to to contact c by which it is now connected through |51 to solenoid i558 of right sound switch and thence |55 to 55, the switch i having a lead i255 connecting it to line A further substantially ooinci. ent operation is the down or closing movement of the left douser which is eilected by the rotation of cam HB3 that allows switch IDBL to close completing a connection through I6!) joining and iE! to the lett douser control ML that has a return connection by lil-l' to line 55.

Approximately nine seconds later the left pro-- jector motor lilla, left arc lamp and left pilot light are shut on by the rotation oi cam icl to such point that switch IGGL now moves from contact o to a which first opens circuit to the pilot light 52h directly connected through lid and H3, and also opens circuit to the motor illL and arc switch Gill that had been connected through lid, 44 and contacts c of gang switc. ML. Movement of the switch IDBL from Contact c to contact b is preparatory for subsequent operation of the automatic changeover -from right projector to' left projector and has to do principally with setting up circuit connections for the operation upon the start of the cam driving motor by another impulse through automatic f conclusion of the run on the right projector.

switch 60. The train of cams has now reached the end of its cycle since the cam |00 has rotated the full half turn and now again occupies the position illustrated in Fig. 2, where switch 9D has returned to contact b leaving the circuit to motor 3| open since the contacts a and b of relay 80 are now also open. The entire process of changing from operation by the left projector to operation by the right projector has now been made, and has been followed by the stopping of the left projector and conditioning of the unit 2% to respond to the frequency markings on the sound track of the film now being run, for duplicate changeover to the left projector at or near the In other words, once one of the projectors is started at the beginning of the show, either the right or the left machine, the projectors from then on become automatic through initiating impulses as described with respect to Fig. 3, which start the unit 25 that effects the complete changeover. All that is now required of the operator is to load and unload the nlm magazines B and S of the idle machine, thread the lm through the idle machine, and other details necessary or incir ent to its maintenance for operation when its cycle of operation is started by the unit 29.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that various modifications may be made in my invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereon as are necessitated by the prior art and set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

l. In a control unit for sequentially starting either one of a pair of moving picture machines, in which each machine is adapted to drive and reproduce a sound augmented lm by an ampliner and speaker common to both machines, a source of electric current for the machines, a change-over robot effecting the start of one chine and then the successive start of either chine at the near conclusion ci' the run of said one machine, said robot including a pair of motor driven switch operating cams, electric switch devices operated by each cam for alternately ener gizing the projector driving motors, a cam drive ing motor connectible with the current source for rotating the cams through a predetermined cycle, means for initiating a circuit through the cam driving motor, means associating and oonnecting one of the switch operating cams and a plurality of switch operating devices into pair of parallel and substantially identical jector motor control circuits, each or" said projector motor control circuits including a operated cycling switch, a solenoid operated conditioning switch and a manually operated start switch; each of said cycling switches having a movable contact adapted to alternately engage a projector motor energizing circuit con act i'or the respective one of said parallel circui solenoid circuit completing contact for spective one of said parallel circuits; each ci conditioning switches being a gang switch providng a pair of normally open solenoid hol circuit contacts for the respective one el d parallel circuits, a pair of normally open projector motor energizing circuit contacts for the respective one of said parallel circuits, a pair oi normally open solenoid energizing circuit con tacts for the alternate one of said parallel circuits, and a pair of normally closed initiating circuit contacts for the respective one of said parallel circuits and connected in parallel with the normally closed initiating circuit contacts of the alternate one of said parallel circuits; each of said manually operated start switches having a rst pair of initiating circuit contacts in series with the normally closed initiating circuit contacts of the conditioning switch in both the respective one and the alternate one of said parallel circuits, and a second pair of solenoid circuit completing contacts for the respective one of said parallel circuits and connected in parallel with the said solenoid energizing circuit contacts of the conditioning switch in the alternate one of the said parallel circuits; and means whereby completion of the initiating circuit through one of the manually operated start switches selects the respective one of the said parallel projector motor control circuits to be completed, and said manual start switch temporarily energizes the cam driving motor circuit to effect the operation cycle, and means including one of said switch devices operated by the cam driving motor for establishing a cam driving motor running circuit to complete the predetermined cycle of rotating cams.

2. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein either of the manually operated start switches when closed completes a circuit across the current source through the normally closed contacts of either of the solenoid actuated conditioning switches for completing the initiating circuit, an electronic control circuit fired by the initiating circuit which in turn effects the operation of said cam operating motor.

3. In a control circuit for sequentially starting either one of a pair of machines, the combination comprising, means operated by each machine when running for developing an amplied audible frequency mixed with an inaudible signal frequency significant of machine operation, means translating the amplified audible frequency to an audible stage, pick-01T means exposed to the amplied mixed audible frequency and inaudible frequency signal before translated to the audible stage for isolating the signal frequency, a change-over robot responsive to the isolated signal frequency for effecting the start of one machine near the conclusion of the run of the other machine, said robot including a pair of cycling switches, a pair of conditioning switches, each having connection with identical elements of a respective machine for performance of the starting of a respective machine and stopping of an alternate machine, a plurality of switch operating cams, one for the pair of cycling switches, motor means driving the plurality of cams in timed relation for reversely actuating the pair of cycling switches, each of said cycling switches having a machine energizing circuit contact in series with a pair of machine energizing circuit contacts of the respective conditioning switch which when both closed eiect energization of the respective machine, each o1" said cycling switches also having a second circuit closing contact with means connecting it with a second pair of contacts in the alternate conditioning switch, a solenoid for actuating each conditioning switch to close both pair of said contacts, means selectively connecting each solenoid with the current source and with the said second contact of the respective cycling switch, and means directly connecting each solenoid with the said second pair of contacts in the alternate conditioning switch, whereby reverse actuation of the cycling switches maintains both conditioning switch solenoids energized, and alternately closes one machine energizing circuit while opening the other machine energizing circuit, thermionic means energized by the signal frequency for starting the motor means, and conductive means connecting the motor, its starting means and switches with associated elements to the current source.

JAMES T. GATES.

REFERENCES CITED `The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,547,144 Jensen July 2l, 1925 1,834,886 Barton Dec. l, 1931 1,859,665 Golden et al. May 24, 1932 1,909,765 Jenkins et al May 16, 1933 1,972,904 Pritchard sept. 11, 1934 1,989,963 Baker Feb. 5, 1935 2,014,418 Tasker Sept. 17, 1935 2,106,957 Nielsen Feb. l, 1938 2,116,314 Jenkins et al May 3, 1938 5 2,270,886 Mead Jan. 27, 1942 `2,289,833 Fuller et a1 July 14, 1942 

